Early mental health intervention in combat situations: the USS Stark

The United States Army Europe Stress Management Team (USAREUR SMT) is designed to assist victims of hostage, terrorist, and disaster situations. Early intervention is intended to prevent the development of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. This paper describes the operation of the SMT following the missile attack on the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf. Therapeutic approaches as well as some observation on the group process are described. The therapeutic principles and organizational flexibility necessary for early mental health intervention in disaster situations are illustrated.